1794 – The first session of the U.S. Senate opens to the public.
1812 – Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry is accused of “gerrymandering” for the first time.
1929 – Miss Bobbi Trout, an 18-year-old “tomboy” who took up flying to avoid dishwashing, broke three world aviation records.
1975 – Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to head a major party in Britain when she was elected leader of the Conservative Party.
1990 – Nelson Mandella was freed after 27 years in captivity.
1990 – Buster Douglas, a 42:1 underdog, knocks out Mike Tyson in ten rounds to win boxing’s World Heavyweight title.
1993 – Janet Reno was appointed as Attorney General by President Clinton. She was the first female to hold the position.
2006 – Vice President Dick Cheney shot Texas attorney Harry Whittington in the face while participating in a quail hunt on a Texas ranch.
2013 – The Vatican confirmed Pope Benedict XVI would resign the papacy as a result of his advanced age.
